Vella Bioscience’s Post

I am pro-choice. It has been two years since Roe v. Wade was overturned. This ban hasn't stopped abortions; it's stopped safe, accessible care. I grew up anti-choice and am now a vocal supporter of women's access to safe, accessible healthcare, including abortions. Here's how my thinking evolved: In my childhood church, abortion was framed as murder and against Biblical teachings. I don't recall empathy for women seeking abortions or curiosity about their decisions. Chisme blamed women for "bad choices," while men's involvement wasn't questioned. In my 20s, I began questioning these lessons from childhood. Reading women's stories and health data shifted my mindset. Latinas are disproportionately impacted, facing higher rates of unintended pregnancies and less access to contraception. I learned to consider larger systems, not just individuals. Latinas aren't more promiscuous, careless with healthcare, or short-sighted about their life decisions. We're living within systems set up for us to doubt our value, question our boundaries, stay silent, and obey. There's no shame in pregnancy or wanting to end one that will change your life. The shame is in not supporting those who are pregnant with choice, love, and quality healthcare. I'm now pro-choice, acknowledging women can make their own decisions. No one should rule on choices about their body and long-term goals. As a trauma-informed coach dedicated to creating safe spaces for Latinas to find their purpose and plan to authentically live a purpose-driven life, that includes doing my part to create a larger ecosystem that allows them to make the personal decisions necessary to bring that vision to fruition. I am committed to staying active this election season through phone banking, canvassing, donating money, and voting for policies and candidates that support Latinas having maximum agency in their lives. Share in the comments below how you are staying active this election season. 👋🏼 Hola! I am Michelle, a trauma-informed leadership coach and speaker. My clients learn to value their strengths, grow their confidence, and build a clear vision for their life and career.

I started angel investing and serving as a board advisor because I wanted to even the playing field for women entrepreneurs. But I recently thought about why I’ve kept at it, even expanding my interest through my involvement in The Josephine Collective and Project Sunflower. It’s passion. Outside of my family, I’m deeply committed to three things: learning something new, solving problems, and advancing women’s rights. (OK, fine, Michigan football is in there too.) This work is so much more than funding — it truly brings the things I care about together. And it gives others a chance to drive change in the world. In the past few years, I’ve been able to work with organizations like ConceiveAbilities, Untoxicated Skincare, and Equilibria. These are three very different companies, but they share a lot: Each of them was founded or co-founded by brilliant and accomplished women. Each of them began their business by seeing something in their own lives that they knew they could improve — and then following through on that belief. Each of them use data to Reframe long-held beliefs about women’s health, whether it’s ConceiveAbilities destigmatizing surrogacy, Untoxicated developing skincare that doesn’t exacerbate allergies, or Equilibria using research to support women through their health journeys. And most importantly: each focuses on solving a problem for women that results in an overall improvement to society. My involvement may have begun as a funder, but through my day-to-day experiences with these brands, I have learned so much — about their businesses, about myself, and about how alone many women feel when facing certain problems. These companies help them to solve their problems and be part of a community. I get just as much, if not more, from what I’m giving. 90% of startups fail. There are many reasons for it. And women do have a harder time getting access to capital and resources when they’re launching something. But my role here is not just to help provide that capital. It’s to help these women harness their own knowledge and motivation to solve problems and advocate for others. I’ve always felt that problems without solutions just haven’t found the right people to be part of the solution. Being part of these businesses reminds me that when you apply passion and knowledge, you can do a whole lot more.

These stark figures highlight the continuing inequalities facing Black women at every stage of the birthing journey. The government must urgently set a binding target to end disparities and improve outcomes for Black mothers and birthing people.

ICYMI: Watch our latest At the Intersection webinar, Addressing Homelessness during Pregnancy for Women and Gender-Diverse People. Hear the powerful and personal story of a woman with lived experience, and how we can do better. Watch it here: https://loom.ly/vBD8bZk

There's been a lot of talk about childlessness lately, but most young women today still desire to be mothers. The key is finding ways to bridge the gap between women's desired and realized fertility. My latest piece with Bradford Wilcox on this: https://lnkd.in/esHqpYbu

Following the publication of the biased, internationally discredited and non-evidenced Cass Review, many people now incorrectly believe that it is dangerous to give puberty blockers to adolescents. However, puberty blockers have been given routinely to non-trans kids with precocious puberty since the 1970s and yet there has been no concern or outcry about them. They are usually on blockers for far longer than trans kids, but none of them are going on to transition afterwards and there are no reports of low bone density being a problem for them. They are still able to get their blockers from the NHS and yet trans adolescents are not. Why is that? They are either safe or they are not. Which is it? Puberty is a difficult time for most people, but it is the most distressing time for trans adolescents as they can see that their bodies will be changing permanently in a way that is opposite to their gender identity. Without blockers to buy them some time, their bodies will be forced to undergo changes that cannot be reversed at all (such as their skeleton size and voices breaking) or which can only be changed by very major surgery or painful electrolysis. There is now no credible treatment provided by the NHS for trans kids. Parents of trans adolescents who are approaching puberty have no choice but to pay privately for expensive treatment, as the alternative is just too unbearable. They are even under threat of having their kids taken off them by Social Services if they don't submit their kids to conversion "therapy". I cannot begin to emphasise how bleak the current situation is for them. Please read the story of my friend Anna and her daughter Chloe (not their real names), here and please help them if you can. https://lnkd.in/e3j6Ks6D #Transkidsdeservetogrowup #transkids #transkidsdeservetolive

This is the reality of the communities I work with…📌 During the rainy season, it's too wet and muddy, during the dry season it's too dusty and easy to catch an airborne disease. In both seasons, it's hard to find anyone neat and well-kept. But if I hadn't lived their experience or actually understood what they go through by working with them (not for them), I would never have known this. You see, the young girls in this crisis-stricken communities easily fall for the guys that show them the slightest penny🪙, and before we know it, we have a teenage pregnancy case risking her life and future. During one of our community outreaches, a 14-year-old girl with a 2-month-old baby told me she wouldn't mind being with another sugar daddy if he gives her more money. I was broken. Despite the counsels I gave her, her mind was made up! This heartbreaking situation is unfortunately not isolated. In a room full of 18 mothers during an event we hosted, 11 said their pregnancy was unplanned. These statistics are alarming and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive sexual education, access to contraceptives, and economic empowerment for young women in these communities. It's time to break the cycle of poverty and teenage pregnancy which often leads to complications like postpartum haemorrhage and even death. We need to invest in programs that provide young people with the skills and resources they need to build brighter futures. It's stories like these that remind us of the urgent need to support these communities. Let's come together to make a difference. Join For Mom and Baby Foundation in ensuring this. We are open to partnerships and collaborations. #communitydevelopment #socialwork #formomandbabyfoundation #empowerment

Meet Charisse, a resilient woman on a mission to provide support to individuals facing fertility challenges. Having triumphed over her own fertility journey, Charisse channels her personal experiences into a profound passion for guiding others through similar paths. Her empathy, coupled with a deep understanding of the emotional rollercoaster, makes her a beacon of hope for those seeking solace and solutions in their quest for parenthood. She is currently writing her book, “Fertility Survival Guide, Volume I” to help future moms in their season of waiting find hope through telling her story. In her free time she likes to play soccer with her 9 year old son, watch tv shows and movies with her husband and listen to books on audible. ❓️🤔Based on your experience, what methods can we use to provide better support to our sisters who are undergoing a similar journey, in order to promote Black maternal health? "Sharing my experience, my journey to motherhood has been frought with many challenges, interspersed with moments of support. I believe fostering a supportive environment for Black women navigating a similar journey in promoting Black maternal health involves several key methods. First, prioritizing African American and Hispanic representation is crucial. Having diverse voices in healthcare leadership can lead to more inclusive policies and practices which in turn will foster true change. In addition to having diverse voices in key positions, establishing mentorship programs and support networks specifically tailored to Black mothers can offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community. Providing culturally competent healthcare, where practitioners are sensitive to the unique needs and challenges faced by Black women, is also important. Lastly, raising awareness and advocating for policies that address racial disparities in maternal health will also contribute to systemic change. Overall, a holistic approach that combines representation, support networks, culturally competent care, and advocacy can significantly enhance the well-being of Black mothers." listen in on Spotify https://lnkd.in/exMD3mJX

Did you know that women's health and pelvic issues transcend geographical boundaries? From access to healthcare to gender inequality, there are various challenges that women around the world face when it comes to their well-being such as: ✨ Maternal health: All women deserve safe pregnancies and childbirth experiences. Sadly, many women lack access to proper healthcare during this critical time, leading to preventable complications. We must advocate for proper support and resources for pregnant women everywhere. ✨ Reproductive rights: Every woman deserves the autonomy to make decisions about her own body. It's crucial to promote education and awareness about contraception, family planning, and the right to choose. ✨ Gender-based violence: This heartbreaking issue affects women globally. Together, we can raise our voices against violence and create a safe space where women can thrive without fear. ✨ Mental health: Mental well-being is a universal concern. Women, especially, face unique challenges that can impact their mental health. Let's raise awareness, break stigma, and promote accessible mental health services. Through physical therapy, we can create a world where every woman has access to quality healthcare by informing, educating, and engaging medical communities. Let's empower each other and work towards a healthier and brighter future for all women! Don't forget to tag a friend, share this post, and spread the word. Knowledge is power, and with your participation, we can make a real impact! Donate to GWHI>>> buff.ly/42nY47w

How are Black women uniquely vulnerable as potential mothers in the US? What are the disparities that they face and how can this be addressed? If you are interested in the value of life, this post is for you!